CONSERVATORY. 



15 



being incommoded by them. The slielving and stages, 

 when these are introduced, should be kept low, so that 

 the plants, if not below the eye, may be on a level with 

 it, or not much raised above it. Such a position is 

 required by many plants, as, for example, most of the 

 heaths, camellias, cacti, pelargoniums, etc. Others, as 

 the fachsias, acacias, passifloras, and glycines, are seen 

 with more effect from below, and may therefore be 

 allowed to grow up, or may be trained in more elevated 

 places in the house. When the conservatory is con- 

 structed on a large scale, the stages perhaps had better 

 be omitted, and the shelves confined to the north side ; 

 and besides borders round the other sides, the centre may 

 be arranged into wide plots for the growth of large plants 

 in groups or masses. A paved walk may encircle the 

 house, leaving a border between it and the upright glass 

 walls, and the central space may be irregularly divided 

 by paths of clean gravel, which will have a more garden- 

 like effect than when a number of intersecting pavements 

 are employed. The internal frame-work of the house 

 should be simple, but elegant. Elaborate decoration in 

 this department has a tendency to detract from the effect 

 of the plants. Fine mouldings and carvings harbour 

 insects, collect dust, and, as they are difficult to clean, 

 contract an untidy appearance in a very short time. The 

 colouring of the wood or iron- work should be light, but 

 not glaring; a shade of white is generally the most 

 suitable, as it brings out the green of the foliage, and 

 interferes little with the tints of the flowers. A fountain, 

 or a group of statuary, is a desirable addition to the con- 

 servatory, as also a piece of rockwork for the growth of 

 ferns and succulent plants. The heating of the internal 

 air is, in ordinary circumstances, best accomplished by 



